Willard murder a priority for sheriff's office

NORWALK -- The murder case of Daniel Jacinto Hernandez remains a top priority for the Huron County Sheriff's Office.

"We remain committed to closing this investigation as quickly and thoroughly as possible," said Detective Sgt. Josh Querin.

Hernandez, 24, of 4012 Baseline Road, New Haven Township, was found stabbed to death June 2 at the apartment he shared with brothers Misael Lopez, 24, and Hiram Emmanuel Lopez, 23, who are now the primary suspects in the case.

"We are not sure of where they are at this point," Querin said. "It is our belief that they are no longer in the area, but we aren't ruling out any possibilities at this time."

Advertisement

There are active warrants out for the Lopez brothers for theft of a motor vehicle. According to Huron County Sheriff Dane Howard, the brothers were last seen on May 31 leaving the victim's apartment in a 2004 silver Dodge Stratus with Virginia license plate ZR7459.

The vehicle, which belonged to Hernandez, has a small dent above the passenger side tail light and a "flower-designed plate holder."

It is possible that the Lopez brothers had a couple of days to escape prior to the discovery of Hernandez's body, Querin said.

"We believe he (Hernandez) died sometime over the weekend," Querin said. "They may have had a head start on us, which would make things more difficult."

The sheriff's office is currently looking into the extradition process in Mexico, it is believed they may have fled there.

"We aren't sure if they are in Mexico, but we are looking into the process to be safe," Querin said. "It could be a difficult process if they are located there."

Querin said that investigators have received between 15 and 20 leads as of Monday, and that they are following them all.

"We are continuing to encourage people to come forward with any information they may have," Querin said. "Any detail could make a difference in this case."

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

The sheriff's office has been unable to discover a motive in the murder at this time, but continue to go over details, Querin said.